Lawmakers weigh future of Vermont early‑college program as presenters cite $2.9–$3 million annual cost

Vermont State Colleges officials told the House Education Committee on Feb. 27, 2025, that the state-funded early‑college program enrolled several hundred high‑school seniors last year, cost roughly $2.9–$3.0 million to operate and disproportionately serves low‑income and first‑generation students.

“For the record, I am Beth Mauck. I'm the chancellor of the Vermont State College's system,” Beth Mauck said, introducing the system’s presentation. Sharon Scott, chief financial and operating officer for the system, gave financial detail: “The program last year had 355 students who attended the Vermont State Colleges as part of the early college program and concluded the program. The program itself, it was cost $2,900,000 almost $3,000,000 for the state of Vermont.”

Why it matters: presenters told lawmakers the program increases college continuation and helps retain young Vermonters. Mauck said the program is “a success story” and reported that, in fall 2024, 377 students participated; since fiscal 2023 there was a 41% increase in first‑generation college students in the program. Scott said about 81% of early‑college participants later continued to college, up from about 69% in 2019.

Program scope and student mix

Vermont State Colleges officials said the program allows high‑school seniors to take courses at system campuses or remotely through Community College of Vermont (CCV), Vermont State University…